Donald R. Benson, 79, of Eau Claire, died Saturday, January 27, 2007, at Syverson Lutheran Home in Eau Claire under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.\r\nHe was born on November 21, 1927, the son of Johannes and Anna (Mogenson) Benson in Eau Claire.\r\nDon entered the United States Air Force on January 1, 1946, at Fort Sheridan, IL, serving at Chitose Air Force Base in Hokkaido, Japan until the time of his honorable discharge on October 28, 1948 in Fort Luaghton, WA. \r\nDon married Florence R. Fehr on December 29, 1951, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire. They, along with other family members, owned and operated Fehr Concrete Products in Eau Claire and Rice Lake, where he started as a salesman in 1953. Don worked his way up the corporate ladder within the company from salesman to bookkeeper, then on to Vice President and finally to Chief Executive Officer. He held his position as C.E.O. until his retirement on January 2, 1990.\r\nDon was Past President of the Wisconsin Concrete Products Assc., a member of the Water Street Merchants Group of Eau Claire, the Elks Lodge of Eau Claire, the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Assoc., and many other various organizations in the community and state.\r\nIn his spare time Don enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and building model airplanes. He was also a very avid reader, spending countless hours "turning a page." Don will always be remembered as a one of a kind practical joker.\r\nDon is survived by three daughters, Denise (Joe) LaPoint and Karen (Roger) Bell, both of Eau Claire, and Luanne (Matt) Capodice of Schofield, WI; and six granddaughters, Sarah&Jennifer LaPoint, Christine and Amanda Bell, and Rachel&Cara Capodice; and by many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, on December 21, 2006; his parents; two sisters, Arvella Benson, Lorraine Westlund; and two brothers, Vernon and Norman.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2007, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home with Deacon Larry J. Agema officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire, with Military Rites conducted by American Legion Post #53. Family and friends may call one hour prior to time of services Friday at the funeral home.\r\nMemorials in Don's names are preferred to St Francis Food Pantry, 1221 Truax Blvd., Eau Claire, WI 54703 or Syverson Lutheran Home, 816 Porter Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701.\r\n

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